Government Executive - On Politicshttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/Analysis and perspective about what's happening in the political realm.en-usSat, 05 Jan 2019 13:00:00 -0500Congress Used To Pass Bipartisan Legislation – Will It Ever Again?https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2019/01/congress-used-pass-bipartisan-legislation-will-it-ever-again/153931/Most Congresses since the 1970s have passed more than 500 laws, ranging from nuclear disarmament to deficit reduction. Will today's bitter partisanship hamstring the new Congress' productivity?Jeffrey D. Grynaviski, The ConversationSat, 05 Jan 2019 13:00:00 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2019/01/congress-used-pass-bipartisan-legislation-will-it-ever-again/153931/Oversight - On PoliticsPresident Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill of Mass., share a laugh as they are presented a pair of walking sticks at the White House, Dec. 10, 1981. Barry Thumma/AP file photoAn Awkward Beginning to Democratic Control of the Househttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2019/01/awkward-beginning-democratic-control-house/153915/The shutdown is undercutting the Democrats’ moment of triumph, muddling their opportunity to drive the national debate on their own terms.Russell Berman, The AtlanticThu, 03 Jan 2019 16:10:28 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2019/01/awkward-beginning-democratic-control-house/153915/Oversight - On PoliticsCarolyn Kaster/APWhat Obama Talks About When He Talks About Trumphttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/what-obama-talks-about-when-he-talks-about-trump/153128/At an appearance in Houston on Tuesday, the former president had no trouble explaining a reference to Trump as Voldemort.Edward-Isaac Dovere, The AtlanticThu, 29 Nov 2018 10:34:50 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/what-obama-talks-about-when-he-talks-about-trump/153128/Oversight - On PoliticsPablo Martinez Monsivais/AP file photoWhat a New Crop of Veteran-Lawmakers Means for Democratshttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/what-new-crop-veteran-lawmakers-means-democrats/152921/They could be the start of a redefined party that’s more closely associated with national security.Priscilla Alvarez, The AtlanticFri, 23 Nov 2018 09:00:00 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/what-new-crop-veteran-lawmakers-means-democrats/152921/Oversight - On PoliticsAbigail Spanberger heads to a Democratic Caucus meeting in the basement of the Capitol on Nov. 15.J. Scott Applewhite/AP Everything's Political to Trump, Even Killing Osama Bin Ladenhttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/everythings-political-trump-even-killing-osama-bin-laden/152919/In an interview on Fox News, the president dismissed William McRaven as a Hillary Clinton ‘fan’ and asked why it took so long to get the al-Qaeda leader.Andrew Kragie, The AtlanticMon, 19 Nov 2018 10:26:39 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/everythings-political-trump-even-killing-osama-bin-laden/152919/Oversight - On PoliticsRetired U.S. Navy Adm. William H. McRaven speaks to service members inside the Pfingston Reception Center located on Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas, January 10, 2018. Tech. Sgt. Ave I. Young/Air ForceAn Open-and-Shut Violation of Campaign-Finance Lawhttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/open-and-shut-violation-campaign-finance-law/152749/The relevant law is favorable to candidates. But it appears Trump still managed to violate it.Bob Bauer, The AtlanticMon, 12 Nov 2018 09:54:28 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/open-and-shut-violation-campaign-finance-law/152749/Oversight - On PoliticsJStone / Shutterstock.comThe Rocky Trump Transition Is Headed To Netflix, Thanks To Barack Obama And Michael Lewishttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/rocky-trump-transition-headed-netflix-thanks-barack-obama-and-michael-lewis/152510/Michael Lewis's "The Fifth Risk" is about the botched transition from Obama‘s federal government to Trump‘s.Thu-Huong Ha, QuartzThu, 01 Nov 2018 16:11:30 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/11/rocky-trump-transition-headed-netflix-thanks-barack-obama-and-michael-lewis/152510/Oversight - On Politics Staff Sgt. Sean Martin/Air Force file photoPartisanship Runs Deep In America - Even Among ‘Independents’https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/10/partisanship-runs-deep-america-even-among-independents/152296/The true number of people who do not favor either of the two major political parties in the U.S. has actually remained stable in recent years.Christopher Devine, The ConversationThu, 25 Oct 2018 10:14:00 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/10/partisanship-runs-deep-america-even-among-independents/152296/Oversight - On PoliticsBob Schutz/AP file photoAnalysis: Why The Anonymous Op-Ed Sets A Dangerous Precedenthttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/09/analysis-why-anonymous-op-ed-sets-dangerous-precedent/151169/An expert argues why the anonymous op-ed in The New York Times can hardly be considered an act of civil disobedience and why it might make things even worse in the Trump administration.Michael Blake, The ConversationTue, 11 Sep 2018 19:00:00 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/09/analysis-why-anonymous-op-ed-sets-dangerous-precedent/151169/Oversight - On PoliticsColin Dewar/Shutterstock.comWhat John McCain’s Death Means for Republican Control of the Senatehttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/08/what-john-mccains-death-means-republican-control-senate/150859/After the late Arizonan’s prolonged absence, the appointment of a replacement by Governor Doug Ducey will temporarily bolster the GOP’s advantage.Russell BermanTue, 28 Aug 2018 11:27:10 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/08/what-john-mccains-death-means-republican-control-senate/150859/Oversight - On PoliticsTupungato/Shutterstock.comTrump’s Meeting With Putin Draws Alarmed Responses From Both Partieshttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/07/trumps-meeting-putin-draws-alarmed-responses-both-parties/149790/The president’s remarks casting doubt on Russian interference in the 2016 election drew rebukes both implicit and explicit from those close to, and within, his own administration.Natasha Bertrand, The AtlanticTue, 17 Jul 2018 10:47:46 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/07/trumps-meeting-putin-draws-alarmed-responses-both-parties/149790/Oversight - On PoliticsJussi Nukari/Lehtikuva via APTrump Blames Bad Relations With Russia on Everything but Russiahttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/07/trump-blames-bad-relations-russia-everything-russia/149772/In Helsinki, the president preferred to pin the problem on “many years of U.S. foolishness and stupidity.”Uri Friedman, The AtlanticMon, 16 Jul 2018 15:57:48 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/07/trump-blames-bad-relations-russia-everything-russia/149772/Oversight - On PoliticsPablo Martinez Monsivais/APAnalysis: Corruption in the Trump Administration Is Spreadinghttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/06/analysis-corruption-trump-administration-spreading/149209/While petty scandals like Scott Pruitt’s grab attention, there are more egregious and profitable conflicts of interest elsewhere in Washington.David A. Graham, The AtlanticFri, 22 Jun 2018 10:11:05 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/06/analysis-corruption-trump-administration-spreading/149209/Oversight - On PoliticsSecretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross straightens his papers during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on tariffs on Wednesday.Jacquelyn Martin/APAnalysis: The Invisible Melania Trumphttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/06/analysis-invisible-melania-trump/148741/The first lady’s behavior isn’t what people today are used to.Taylor Hosking and Lena Felton, The AtlanticTue, 05 Jun 2018 16:02:05 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/06/analysis-invisible-melania-trump/148741/Oversight - On Politics Andrea Hanks/White House file photoNo One Knows If a President Can Be Indictedhttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/05/no-one-knows-if-president-can-be-indicted/148426/Scholars disagree on existing precedents—and the question won’t be settled until evidence leads a prosecutor to try it.Garrett Epps, The AtlanticWed, 23 May 2018 10:05:19 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/05/no-one-knows-if-president-can-be-indicted/148426/Oversight - On Politics Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock.comRepublican Leaders Confront an Immigration Revolt on Two Sideshttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/05/republican-leaders-confront-immigration-revolt-two-sides/148331/As House moderates near success in forcing votes on DACA, Speaker Paul Ryan is facing another uprising from the conservatives who tanked the farm bill on Friday.Russell Berman, The AtlanticFri, 18 May 2018 15:55:47 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/05/republican-leaders-confront-immigration-revolt-two-sides/148331/Oversight - On PoliticsJ. Scott Applewhite/APApollo 8 Helped America Survive 1968—a Year Remarkably Similar to 2018https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/05/apollo-8-helped-america-survive-1968-year-remarkably-similar-2018/147975/In a country so polarized about so much, no one seemed to disagree: Apollo 8 had done something important and profound.Robert Kurson, QuartzFri, 04 May 2018 10:54:05 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/05/apollo-8-helped-america-survive-1968-year-remarkably-similar-2018/147975/Oversight - On PoliticsNASA file photoWhy Do Trump’s Defenders Assume He’s Guilty?https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/04/why-do-trumps-defenders-assume-hes-guilty/147590/With friends like these, the president should probably reconsider his messaging strategy.David A. Graham, The AtlanticThu, 19 Apr 2018 15:51:20 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/04/why-do-trumps-defenders-assume-hes-guilty/147590/Oversight - On PoliticsJoyce N. Boghosian/White HouseThe Tenacity of Trumphttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/04/tenacity-trump/147247/The president lies prodigiously, but when it comes to campaign promises on immigration, trade, and other issues, he’s working hard to keep them.David A. Graham, The AtlanticFri, 06 Apr 2018 10:02:14 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/04/tenacity-trump/147247/Oversight - On PoliticsEvan Vucci/APA Return To Earmarks Could Grease The Wheels In Congresshttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/return-earmarks-could-grease-wheels-congress/146959/Pork-barrel spending – that often reviled custom otherwise known as 'earmarks' – may well help Congress pass bills on schedule. Banned since 2011, they may be making a comeback.Diana Evans, The ConversationMon, 26 Mar 2018 13:00:00 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/return-earmarks-could-grease-wheels-congress/146959/Oversight - On PoliticsArchitect of the CapitolAmerican Support For Authoritarian Rule Has Dropped For The First Time In 23 Yearshttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/american-support-authoritarian-rule-has-dropped-first-time-23-years/146760/Call it the Trump effect.Annalisa Merelli, QuartzMon, 19 Mar 2018 09:57:42 -0400https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/american-support-authoritarian-rule-has-dropped-first-time-23-years/146760/Oversight - On PoliticsPresident Donald Trump, right, reaches to shake hands with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2017.Evan Vucci/APHow Did Rex Tillerson Manage to Keep His Job?https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/how-did-rex-tillerson-manage-keep-his-job/146522/His survival is a testament not only to his ability to ignore the machinations that dominate Washington, but also to the president’s penchant for political drama.Krishnadev Calamur, The AtlanticThu, 08 Mar 2018 16:04:43 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/how-did-rex-tillerson-manage-keep-his-job/146522/Oversight - On PoliticsTillerson deplanes at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on March 7.State DepartmentWill the Last Person to Leave the West Wing Please Turn Out the Lights?https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/will-last-person-leave-west-wing-please-turn-out-lights/146380/As the administration faces a spate of departures from its top ranks, filling their posts will be a major challenge.David A. Graham, The AtlanticFri, 02 Mar 2018 15:32:08 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/03/will-last-person-leave-west-wing-please-turn-out-lights/146380/Oversight - On PoliticsRex Tillerson, H.R. McMaster, Jared Kushner, and Gary CohnEvan Vucci/APTrump Thought the Rules Didn’t Apply—and Now He’s Paying the Pricehttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/02/trump-thought-rules-didnt-applyand-now-hes-paying-price/146311/The Trump administration decided early on that many guidelines were either antiquated or punitive, and is belatedly discovering that they were there for its own protection.David A. Graham, The AtlanticWed, 28 Feb 2018 17:08:09 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/02/trump-thought-rules-didnt-applyand-now-hes-paying-price/146311/Oversight - On PoliticsEvan Vucci/APIt's Getting Harder to Prosecute Politicians For Corruptionhttps://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/02/its-getting-harder-prosecute-politicians-corruption/146178/A legal scholar looks at the new and narrowed definition of bribery by the US Supreme Court. In the future, will politicians doing favors for donors and friends ever be prosecuted for corruption?Peter J. Henning, The ConversationSat, 24 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0500https://www.govexec.com/oversight/on-politics/2018/02/its-getting-harder-prosecute-politicians-corruption/146178/Oversight - On PoliticsSen. Bob Menendez , D-N.J.Rich Schultz/AP